In House Shipping:
Make: Bullseye Gun Works
Model: M1 Carbine
Serial Number: 1250
Year of Manufacture: Pre 1960. The first noted Bullseye receiver was 1010 and the Last noted was 2308 putting this rifle toward the beginning of their production before the company was acquired by Abe Seiderman.
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Semi-Automatic carbine fed by detachable magazines.
Markings:
The top-front of the receiver is marked “U.S. CARBINE / CAL. .30 M1”
The rear of the receiver is marked “BULLSEYE / MIAMI FLA / 1285”.
The magazine release is marked “M” and “W.I.”. for Wadsworth Watch Case CO.
The Rotary safety is marked “SS” a post war rebuild part.
The right side of the trigger group is marked “SA”-Springfield Armory post war rebuild part.
The hammer is marked “W” and “S” a Winchester hammer.
The slide is marked ““D-7161843 / SG” for Saginaw Gear
The rear sight is marked “I.R.C.O.”-for International Register CO.
The front sight is marked “RIA” for Rock Island Arsenal a post war rebuild part
The barrel band is unmarked
The sling cut is marked “RSG” for Saginaw Gear Grand Rapids made by Rock-Ola
The upper handguard is stamped “IO” for Inland Overton
The recoil lug is marked “SG” for Saginaw Gear
The buttplate is marked “S-S3” for Shelby Spring Hinge Co.
Barrel Length: 18"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade set between protective ears. The rear sight is the later style sliding aperture sight with a Knurled windage knob dovetailed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an Oval cut, low wood stock, with a four rivet handguard, type three barrel band with bayonet lug, a later style rotary safety and a checkered metal Buttplate. The LOP measures about 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The upper handguard has a large chip missing from the underside of the nose that is barely visible when assembled. The metal buttplate has turned green with age with some brown marks from patina. The edges of the buttplate show minor rub wear and finish loss. The stock itself has been sanded and refinished showing only minor storage and handling wear with no visible cracks and only one small chip on the right side of the butt. The markings are incredibly clear for an M1 stock. Overall this stock is in Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None.
Type of Finish: Blued and Parkerized.
Finish Originality: Original and refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is visible. There is no fouling or erosion in the bore. The feed ramp is clean. The muzzle reads at a .90 which is very tight the muzzle gauge would not even seat.
We could not verify with certainty but there are rumors of people cutting down 1903 two groove barrels and turning them into M1 carbine barrels. This barrel looks like a two groove barrel on the inside. On the outside there is a barely visible color change on the shoulder step after the gas block. In this writer’s opinion the bore is very clean and rates a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of the metal finish. The barrel shows turn marks and small indent marks scattered throughout. The parkerized parts have turned green with age. The bolt has lost most of its finish and shows rub wear on the friction surfaces. The detent on the slide that holds the bolt open is frozen in place. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. To be able to lock the slide back the detent will have to be repaired. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle includes a certificate of authenticity, Universal firearms cardboard box with Sealed Owners manual and a LUB Products Co. Green canvas M1 Carbine hip holster.
Our Assessment: This Bullseye Gun Works M1 Carbine, produced sometime just before 1960, is a fascinating example of early commercial production, blending surplus military components with craftsmanship tailored for civilian markets. Bullseye Gun Works, established in Miami, Florida, in 1954, initially operated as a gun shop before expanding into wholesaling M1 Carbines by the late 1950s early 1960s before being acquired by Abe Seiderman and Universal firearms. Accounts vary but the acquisition occurred circa 1960. Seiderman is well known for the pivotal role he played in commercializing M1 Carbines for civilian use. Under his leadership, Universal Firearms became known for blending military surplus parts with new components, paving the way for a diverse range of carbine models. This particular rifle, hailing from Abe Seiderman's personal collection, exemplifies the transitional phase of M1 Carbine production, showcasing the creative use of surplus parts while maintaining the functional excellence of the original design.
This M1 carbine stands out with its mix of components from respected wartime manufacturers making this rifle not only a visually unique collector's item but also a historical artifact that bridges military and commercial firearm production. The use of the two groove barrel and Its provenance from Seiderman’s collection paints a rich history, reflecting the legacy of innovation and adaptability in post-war firearm manufacturing. This rifle serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and versatility of the M1 Carbine, cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike.